Electromechanical safety system for a firearm

Abstract

An electromechanical locking apparatus, which is integral with a firearm, selectively disables the firearm. The electromechanical locking apparatus comprises an electrically driven input device personalized to an authorized user such as a keypad. The electrically driven input device connects a battery to a motor, which rotates a gear train. The gear train drives a pin into one of two notches or apertures in a trigger of the firearm so as to prevent rotation of the trigger whereby the firearm is rendered inoperable irrespective of whether the trigger is in its cocked or uncocked position.

1. A pistol having a locking mechanism configured to lock a trigger mechanism of the pistol if an attempt is made by an unauthorized person to fire the pistol, the locking mechanism comprising:
 an identification unit configured to detect an identification signal inputted into the identification unit; 
 a control unit connected to the identification unit, the control unit configured to compare the signal inputted into the identification unit with a stored identification code; 
 an actuator device including a geared motor connected to the control unit and connected by a threaded spindle and nut connection with a mechanical locking element which is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein in the locked position the locking element locks a trigger tongue of the pistol; 
 a battery for supplying electrical power to the locking mechanism; and 
 a plurality of display elements configured to display an operating status of the locking mechanism. 
 
   
   
     2. A pistol as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the locking element is configured to engage a notch in the trigger tongue, and wherein the locking element is guided for movement in a bolt and is spring-loaded. 
   
   
     3. The pistol as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein at least the greater portion of the locking mechanism is located in front of a trigger guard and below the barrel of the pistol. 
   
   
     4. The pistol as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the identification unit comprises a keypad for the input of the code. 
   
   
     5. The pistol as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the identification unit comprises a finger-print scanner.